I agree with everyting above, with the exception of the comment about staples. They are much maligned and misunderstood and several friends of mine who reupholster swear by them. In our marine climate stainless staples outlast even the best quality tacks and there is no rusting. The holes they create are smaller and the load is spread more evenly. A properly adjusted staple gun and the proper size staple can be set much more efficiently with no damage to the frame. I've had 5 pieces reupholstered over the years, the youngest in the 50-60 yr. old range (in original upholstery!). All were completely "ripped down", the frames checked for "racking" and the "wobbles" and tightened. All the webbing was removed and replaced, the springs reused and re-tied. Any horsehair (on the really old pieces) was cleaned and reused, fluffed up and secured with bridle ties. All the foam in the cushions of the newer pieces was replaced (I sampled the density of the foam before deciding which one to use), and wrapped in batting with a non-woven cover. Every piece came home looking wonderful and I've never regretted having them redone. Reupholstery is labor instensive. You are paying someone who lives locally to take the time to fuss over your furniture. They have worked hard to amass and perfect their skills, they have overhead, and they pay taxes, too. Personally? I would rather pay a tradesman/craftsman in my own country to breathe new life into something I find pleasing and works in my home. I agree than many of new particle board pieces are not worth the time required, but any good upholsterer will tell you that at the time the estimate is given.

First, a comment on buying a sofa and loveseat; it can be difficult to find a coffee table which services both. Can you use two love seats or two sofas? Just be aware. There are other fabrics which can make you and puppy comfortable. My favorite is Kashmira and you can find it on Flexsteel furniture. First, I have had Flexsteel. It will still be in your living room 20 years from now. Kashmira? It’s my dream come true. Looks like leather or suede (depending on your like)…amazing feel and comes in lots of colors. I’m offering you something other than leather because I don’t think your red chair will show up well if you buy new leather pieces.

I think you have some very pretty spaces here and have already done a more than respectable job with the decor. For the living room in particular, it only needs tweaks, such as raise up the art higher (and pull that sofa a bit from the wall, so that no one feels nervous about hitting their head on the art); take everything off the media unit that has height and make the decorations low bowls or trays. Plants look wonderful in that room, so bring in as many as you can handle. Are you completely averse to a light toned shag-type rug for your living space? if that doesn’t work for you, a sisal is fine. That rocking chair in the corner of the dining room isn’t going to get used, so I’d replace it with a plant. In the other corner, instead of sticks, get a free standing or wall mounted wine rack. For the dining chairs, I would go for ones in colourful or transparent plastic (these come in different colors) or if you prefer the comfort of upholstered go for bright colors, florals or graphics, or solids. Coral, aqua, — whatever you like. You could have a livelier linear light fixture, either something curvy or feathery or with shine. What you have is fine with your chairs, but after you switch out the chairs, maybe you’ll want a new fixture. I love your glam Monroe headshots in the kitchen. A more fun and flashy kitchen clock would be nice, as would pop-style utensil holders, fruit bows, dishtowels, fab dishwashing gloves and a great cooking apron or 2 I would make bar stools the last purchase. My problem with macrame is that it collects dust. If you like fabric arts (and they can be inexpensive and easy to hang) look at batik wall hangings and Japanese noren curtains — that kind of folk art, which can have bright colors or subtle designs.

I've slept on it, and I like a lighter color, if that's ok, because you need to contrast with the floor? I think. It's almost too matchy-matchy. Though, I like the black idea too because that takes it further away from the color of the floor. Husbands do have some good ideas, sometimes. Besides, Aspen would love for it to be black